Electric switch mechanism



Nov. 5,1929. c. A. FOX

1 ELECTRIC swiTcH M-ECHANISM Filed April 21, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet mflZeaiLfaz slum/"a1 4,

Nm r. 5, 1929. c. A. FQX ,7 68

ELECTRIC SWITCH MEUHANI SM Filed April 21. 1928 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented Nov. 5, 1929 Nrr ELECTRIC SWITCH MECHANISM Application filed April 21,

This invention relates to heavy duty switches, and more particularly switches exposed to the elements and used in connection with high tension circuits, the primary ohject of the invention being to provide a switch so constructed that the pivot pin on which the switch blade is mounted, will be relieved of excessive pressure usually brought to bear on the switch blade on opening the switch blade when the blade becomes sealed to the switch points or clips of the switch, due to the collection of foreign matter therebetween.

' Another important object of the invention is to provide an operating mechanism for operating switch blades of this character whereinthe initial force of the lifting lever will be directed to a point adjacent to the center of the blade increasing the leverage to the end that the strain on the pivot pin will be reduced to the minimum. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch blade and operating mechanism which will be cheap to manufacture and one in which the general construction of the switch is-the same as the usual high tension switch now in common use.

With the foregoing and other objectsin view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and 1n the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, may be made wlthin the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a switch constructed in accordance with the invention, a portion of the switch blade and base being broken away.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view showlng the switch blade as moved to its inactive position.

45 Figure 3 is a plan view of a switch.

Figure 4: is an end elevational view thereof.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figure 1. a

Figure 6 is a side elevational view partly 50 broken away illustrating the connection be.-

1928. Serial Nd. 271,774.

tween the switch blade and operating mechanism when the switch blade is at a point where it leaves the liftingmember.

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view indicating the movements of the operating member.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the reference character 5 designates the base of the switch forming the subject matter of this invention, and as shown the base is provided with the usual insulators 6'and 7 respectively '60 that insulate the switch from the support or base 5.-

,The reference character 8 designates a supporting arm which'supports the arms 9 that are arranged insp'aced relation with each other and between whichthe switch blade--10 is pivotally mounted as at 11. a v

Supported onthe insul ting-member 6, is

an arm 12 to which the stationary switch member is connected, the stationary switch 7 member embodying the usual spring contact clips 13, between which the blade 10 moves on completing a circuit.

The reference character 14 designates the usual switch horn over which the outer end of the blade moves to insure againstarcing when the switch blade leaves the spring clips.

As shown, the switch blade 10 is provided with a cut away portion defining a clearance for the member 15forming a part of the operating means, the member 15 being substan tially wide and triangular in formation, one corner thereof being formed with an opening to receive thepivot pin 16 on which the switch blade 10 moves. 1

The opening in the switch blade is larger than the pivot pin 16 so that when the operat ing mechanism is moved to operate the switch blade, a slight movement between the pivot pin and blade will be permitted at its point :9 of connection, for purposes to be hereinafter more fully described.

The cut away portion of the blade defines a bar 17 against which the shoulder 18 contacts, the shoulder 18 being formed by cutting away one corner of the member 15. An insulator indicated at 19 forms the support for the member 15 and as shown the insulator connects with the member 20 that in turn is pivot y en t d a 2i tatt e a e; whi h is provided with a substantially square opening to receive a square shaft 23 of the operating arm.

Thus it will be seen that as the shaft 23 is operated, an upward pressure is directed to the blade 10 by reason of the shoulder 18 contacting with the member 1?, the pressure being directed at this point to relieve the pivot pin 16 of the strain usually directed thereto when excessive force is necessary to break the weather seal between the switch blade and switch clips 13, when the clips and blade become firmly united by reason of the formation of foreign matter between'the contacting surfaces thereof.

It might be further stated that the pivot pin 16 is relieved of strain and the entire force of the operating mechanism is directed to the central portion of the blade.

By referring to Figure"? of the drawings,

it Willbe obvious that the'switch blade A l:

is operated by three separate and distinct lever arms, first lever arm A E, second lever arm A-D, and third lever arm AB.

I claim: a

1. In a switch of the class described, a pivoted switch blade, contact members'between which one end of the switch blade moves to complete a circuit, an operating mechanism including a substantially triangula'r' late .ha'vi n' ivotal connection with the blade at one corner of the plate, said plate adapted to engage the blade at the opposite corner to' lift the b1ade,'and'means for operating the plate;

2'. In a switch of the class described, a pivoted switch-blade, contact members between Which the blade moves to complete a circuit, an operating mechanism including a vertically movable member, said vertically movable member having an opening, a pin extending through the opening and into thebladeto pivotally connect the blade and vertically movable member, said pin being of a diameter less than the diameter of the opening to provide aspace between the pin and wall of the opening to permit movement of the vertically movable member with respect to the blade, means for operating the vertically movable member, and said vertically movable member adapted to engage the blade at a point remote from the pin to lift theblade.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto afiiXed my signature.

CHARLES ADIN FOX. 

